Method and apparatus for streaming video

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that obtains consumption information for each of a group of communication devices associated with a user. A data plan is identified that is applicable to a communication device of the group of communication devices, and a group of media content is identified for the user based on the consumption information. The media content is provided to the communication device at a bit rate that varies according to the data plan. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/024,981 filed on Sep. 18, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/241,513 (U.S. Pat. No. 10,812,848) filedon Jan. 7, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/925,264 (U.S. Pat. No. 10,212,467) filed on Mar. 19, 2018. Thecontents of each of the foregoing is/are hereby incorporated byreference into this application as if set forth herein in full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a customized streaming video and inparticular a method and apparatus for streaming video.

BACKGROUND

Streaming video, generally, is becoming common place. Users are able tolog in to a source, and select from a variety of media content offeredby that source. However, such systems can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a channel customized from aplurality of sources;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system or environment tosupport streaming of the customized channel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the system described in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4-5 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems thatprovide media services, such as those described in connection with FIGS.1-3;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal forinteracting with the communication systems of FIGS. 2 and 4-55;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein; and

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system or environment tosupport streaming of the customized channel of FIG. 1, which may be usedin conjunction with that of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for creating and presenting one or more customized channels,according to user profiles, user preferences, actual user consumption,data plans, and data utilization. Other embodiments are described in thesubject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a methodcomprising: obtaining, user preferences, data plan information, andconsumption information for a first; scheduling media content on achannel customized for the user, by arranging the media content based onthe user preferences and consumption information; and providing accessto the channel at a bit rate that varies according to the data planinformation.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include storage mediumwith executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system,facilitate: receiving user preferences, data plan information, andconsumption information of a user; scheduling media content on a channelcustomized for the user, by arranging the media content based on theuser preferences and the consumption information; and providing thechannel at a bit rate that varies according to the data planinformation.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a system having aprocessor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, facilitate obtaining user preferences anddata plan information applicable to a user; obtaining access to mediacontent from a plurality of sources; scheduling the media content on achannel customized for the user, by arranging the media content based onthe user preferences; and providing the channel to the user at a bitrate that varies according to the data plan information.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a customized media channel100 assembled from a variety of sources 102, 104, 106, and 108. Asshown, and discussed in greater detail below, the disclosed embodimentsseek to create a customized media channel 100, by assembling mediacontent, or programs, from multiple sources 102-108. The media contentinclude live television, radio, and/or other broadcasts, such as newsbroadcasts and sporting events. The media content may also includeprerecorded programming, such as videos, films, movies, and/or evenlocally (or remotely) recorded live broadcasts.

The sources 102-108 can likewise vary. For example, Source A 102 mayrepresent a local television station broadcasting over the air. Source B104 may represent a cable or satellite provider. Source C 106 canrepresent an internet based source, such as Netflix, Hulu, etc. Source D108 can represent a local source, such as a DVR, gaming console,video/audio juke box, or some other media source. It can be seen thatSource D 108 itself collects media content from a variety of sources,and makes them available for use with the channel 100. Any of thesources 102-108 may be integrated into other sources, or othercomponents of the disclosed embodiments, as will be discussed furtherbelow. Of course, the disclosed embodiments may utilize any combinationof these or other sources of media content.

In the example depicted, the channel 100 is assembled by presentingProgram A1, from Source A 102, in its regularly scheduled time slot. Thechannel 100 is further assembled by presenting Programs B1 and B3, fromSource B 104, in delayed time slots. The channel 100 is furtherassembled by presenting Program C4, from Source C 106, in an advancedtime slot. This may be possible where Source C 106 makes its programmingavailable beforehand and/or where Source C 106 simply provides its mediacontent without specific scheduling, such as in the case of an internetbased source or a local source, like a DVR for example.

Also depicted is customized channel 100A, which may be a completelyseparate channel from channel 100, or may simply be channel 100 aspresented after refinement, during a different time segment, and/or on adifferent day. In this manner, the disclosed embodiments seek to presentone or more media channels 100/100A customized specifically for a user,or users, based on information about the user(s) and available mediacontent, which may come from a variety of sources.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of an environment 200, inwhich the disclosed embodiments can operate. The disclosed embodimentspreferably include a processing system 202, which may include one ormore processors and memory for executing instructions. The processingsystem 202, which we will refer to as an aggregator 202, may connect toone or more user devices, such as a television 204A, a computer 204B, atablet, 204C, and/or a mobile smartphone 204D, through one or morenetworks, such as a broadcast network (not shown), an access restrictednetwork 206A (such as a cable or satellite network), an open network206B (such as the Internet), and/or another network 206C (such ascellular network). The aggregator 202 may also communication with thesources 102-108 through any combination of these, and/or another network206D.

The aggregator 202 may communicate through one or more intermediatedevices, such as a set-top-box (STB) 208 and/or local network hardware,such as a router 210. The STB 208 and/or the local network hardware mayinclude a local media source, such as a DVR, or Source D 108. Theaggregator 202 may communicate with the user device(s) and/or sourcesthrough any combination of these or other networks and intermediatedevices.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used by thedisclosed embodiments; and while for purposes of simplicity ofexplanation, the respective processes are shown and described as aseries of blocks in FIG. 3, it is to be understood and appreciated thatthe claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, assome blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with otherblocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not allillustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods describedherein.

The aggregator 202 of the disclosed embodiments preferably gathersinformation related to the user, as shown in step 302. This informationmay include user preferences, such as what types of media the user orusers are interested in, and when. This user preference information mayinclude user consumption data, or such data may be provided separately.This information may include an indication of devices the user, orusers, will use to access the media.

The user preferences may include information such as what types of mediacontent the user enjoys, and when. For example, the user preferences mayindicate that the user enjoys watching particular sport(s), orparticular team(s), or that the user prefers listening to a particulartype of music. The user preferences may indicate that the user preferscertain channels and/or certain programs.

The user preferences may also include temporal information. For example,the user preferences may indicate that the user enjoys watching news ata certain time on certain days, but at other times (or not at all) onother days. More specifically, the user preferences may indicate thatthe user enjoys watching the 5 o'clock news at 5 PM on Mondays andWednesdays, but prefers watching the 5 o'clock news at 6 PM on Tuesdaysand Thursdays, at 4 PM on Friday, and not at all on Saturdays andSundays.

The aggregator 202 may also gather information related to the user'sactual consumption of the media content. For example, rather thanrequiring the user to specify their media consumption preferences, thedisclosed embodiments may simply monitor various devices of the user todiscern the user's actual media consumption habits, such as shown instep 310. This monitoring can be with respect to the user's consumptionof the customized channel, or it can be broader and encompass user'sactual consumption of media outside of the customized channel, or evenbefore the customized channel is assembled.

For example, the disclosed embodiments can observe that the userregularly watches the 5 o'clock news at 5 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays,6 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 4 PM on Friday, and not at all onSaturdays and Sundays. Alternatively, or additionally, the disclosedembodiments can observe that the user regularly watches particularsport(s), or particular team(s), or that the user frequently listens toparticular type(s) of music. These actual consumption habits may be usedto presume or refine the user's preferences, which may be used toconstruct the customized channel.

The aggregator 202 of the disclosed embodiments may also gatherinformation related to the user's data plan. More specifically, whilethe disclosed embodiments are useful for a variety of the scenarios, oneenvisioned scenario is the consumption of media content through awireless, or other, device that may be subject to a data plan havinglimits.

These data plan limits may vary, depending on how the user's devices aregetting their data. For example, the aggregator 202 may learn that theuser's TV 204A is never subject to data limits, when communicating withthe aggregator 202 through the STB 208 and the cable or satellitenetwork, but may be subject to a data limit, or speed limit, whencommunicating with the aggregator 202 through the local network hardware210. Similarly, the user's smartphone 204D may not be subject to datalimits when communicating with the aggregator 202 through the localnetwork hardware 210, but is subject to a data limit, or speed limit,when communicating with the aggregator 202 through the cellular network206C. The disclosed embodiments may take such limits into account, whenpreparing and presenting a customized channel. For example, thedisclosed embodiments may present the customized channel(s) 100/100A ata higher bit rate where there is no data limit, or the user has notapproached the data limit. Alternatively, the disclosed embodiments maypresent the customized channel(s) 100/100A at a lower bit rate wherethere is a data limit, or the users are approaching the data limit.

Thus, the user preferences may also indicate how the user prefers toconsume the media content, accounting for their data plan and datautilization. For example, the user may prefer to watch sporting eventsat the highest quality/resolution available, even though doing so usesdata, from their data plan. The same user may be comfortable watchingthe news at a lower quality/resolution, thereby conserving datautilization from their data plan. Of course, such preferences may beoverridden where the users are approaching the data limit. For example,even though a user may prefer to watch sporting events at the highestquality/resolution available, the system of the disclosed embodimentsmay reduce the bit rate to avoid exceeding the data limit of the user'splan, if the user views their channel 100 using their phone 204D on thecellular network 206C.

It should be understood that higher quality/resolution media, whether itbe video or audio, typically uses a higher bit rate, than lowerquality/resolution. A higher bit rate, in turn, uses more data totransmit and receive. Many data plans include unlimited data, in whichcase data utilization is less of a concern. However, many data planshave limits and/or costs associated with data utilization. Thus, thedisclosed embodiments may account for a user's data plan and datautilization when preparing and/or presenting a customized channel.

Thus, these user preferences, related to data utilization, may changeduring their data plan period. For example, should the user's datautilization near the end of a period be close to a limit for their dataplan, they may then prefer to watch a sporting event at a lowerresolution, in order to avoid exceeding the limits in their data plan,and incurring overage fees. Alternatively, near the end of the period,with a surplus of pre-paid and unused data available, the user mayprefer to watch the news at a higher resolution, thereby utilizingportions of their data allotment that would otherwise go unused. Suchinclinations may be provided as part of the aforementioned userpreferences or obtained as other user information, as shown in step 302,or may be presumed and automatically instituted by the disclosedembodiments.

Armed with the above described user information, the aggregator 202looks through the media content available from the sources 102-108 thatmay be of interest to the user, as shown in step 304. As discussedabove, the aggregator 202 may select from a variety of prerecorded mediacontent and/or upcoming live content. The aggregator then prepares achannel, customized for the user, or users, as shown in step 306.

For example, referring also to FIG. 1, the aggregator 202 may scheduleProgram A1, which may be for example the 5 O'clock news from ABC, at 5PM on Mondays and Wednesdays. The aggregator 202 may schedule ProgramB1, which may be for example the 5 O'clock news from NBC, at 6 PM onMondays and Wednesdays. The aggregator 202 may schedule Program C4,which may be for example an episode one of the user's favorite seriesavailable on Hulu, at 7 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays, with a differentepisode on each night. The aggregator 202 may schedule Program B3, whichmay be another program from NBC, at 8 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays. Inthis manner, the aggregator 202 may schedule media content on a channelcustomized for the user by arranging the media content based on the userpreferences and other information about the user.

Also referring to FIG. 1, the aggregator 202 may schedule the channel100 differently depending on the user and/or time or day, or day of theweek, thereby creating a separate channel 100A, or different period ofthe channel 100. For example, rather than scheduling Program A1 at 5 PM,the aggregator 202 may schedule Program A2, which may be recorded on thelocal DVR 108 from earlier in the day, or a previous day, at 5 PM onTuesdays and Thursdays. The aggregator 202 may again schedule ProgramB1, which may be for example the 5 O'clock news from NBC, at 6 PM onTuesdays and Thursdays. Rather than scheduling Program C4 at 7 PM, theaggregator 202 may schedule Program C3, which may be recorded on thelocal DVR 108 from a different source, at 7 PM on Tuesdays andThursdays. This may allow the aggregator 202 to schedule Program C4 at 8PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, thereby presenting the same program aswould be presented on Mondays and Wednesdays, but at a different time onTuesdays and Thursdays.

In this manner, the schedules the channel(s) 100/100A for the user, orusers, according to their preferences and other information about theusers. For example, channel 100 may be prepared for a first user, withchannel 100A being prepared for a second, different user. It should beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to preparingany limited number of channels for any limited number of users. In anycase, the channel(s) 100/100A prepared/scheduled for the user(s) maychange with the time or day, or day of the week, and may evolve overtime and the user's preferences and/or actual viewing habits change.

The aggregator 202 makes the channel(s) 100/100A available to theuser(s), as shown in step 308, and monitors the user's, or users',consumption, as shown in step 310. More specifically, the aggregator 202preferably makes the channel(s) 100/100A available to the user(s)whether they are actively viewing the customized channel(s) 100/100A ornot. This allows the user(s)' experience to mimic traditionaltelevision, or radio, broadcasting, such that they can tune in, at anytime, at any point in a program currently being presented, with onedifference being that the channel 100 was assembled/scheduled just forthem, such that they are much more likely to enjoy whatever is currentlybeing presented in their channel 100. In one or more embodiments, thereis no start-up delay. In one or more embodiments, there is norequirement for the user to choose from recommendations, in order tobegin enjoying the media content scheduled on their channel(s) 100/100A.

When the aggregator 202 notices that the user(s) begin watching theprograms(s) on their customized channel(s) 100/100A, the aggregator 202may present the user(s) with an option of starting the current programfrom the beginning, or continuing from that point on. When theaggregator 202 notices that the user(s) begin watching the programs(s)on their customized channel(s) 100/100A, the aggregator 202 may presentthe user(s) with an option of switching to another, shorter program suchthat the channel(s) 100/100 can pick up again at the next break betweenprograms. Of course, none of this is strictly required, as the disclosedembodiments do not require the user to choose from such recommendationsor options.

The aggregator 202 may notice that the user has watched several episodesof a series and incorporate upcoming episodes of that series into thecustomized channel. The aggregator 202 may also notice that the user hasnot watched one or more programs it has scheduled in the customizedchannel(s) 100/100A for that user and remove the program from thecustomized channel(s) 100/100A in the future. In this manner, theinformation about the user and/or the user preferences may be refinedand/or learned, as depicted with the arrow between steps 310 and 302.

As discussed above, the disclosed embodiments may be used with multipleusers. Thus, the aggregator 202 may determine that a first user haswatched several episodes of a series and incorporate upcoming episodesof that series into the customized channel 100A for a second user. Thismay be especially useful where both the first and second users sharecharacteristics, such as living in the same or nearby houses, aresimilar demographically, or share other similarities. In this manner,the disclosed embodiments can learn from one user and share thatinformation with other users who may enjoy the same media content. Thisinformation, such as actual consumption information, may also be sharedwith the sources 102-108, which may incentivize them to make theircontent available, as depicted by the arrow between step 304 and step304.

As discussed above, the disclosed embodiments may make the customizedchannel(s) 100/100A available to the user(s) at a quality level, or bitrate, that varies according to the user(s)′ data plan, how the user(s)′devices are connected to the system, and the user(s)′ data utilizationover a given period of the data plan. For example, should the user bereceiving the customized channel 100 with their phone 204D through anInternet 206B connection, then the user(s)′ data plan may not apply,resulting in all portions of the channel 100 being presented at thehighest bit rate available.

However, even the user's home Internet connection might be subject to adata plan, or other restriction, such as data usage or speed, in whichcase the channel 100 would be presented at the highest bit rateavailable, while ensuring compliance with the plan or restrictionsaccording to the user preferences. For example, the user's home Internetconnection might be throttled, i.e. speed limited, after a data limit isexceeded. Thus, if the data limit has been exceeded, the channel 100would be presented at the highest bit rate available, fitting within thespeed limit. However, should the user's data usage be approaching thedata limit for a given period, then the channel 100 may be presented atthe highest bit rate available, or at a lower bit rate to avoidexceeding the data limit. Of course, should the user's current datausage be well below the data limit for a given period, the channel 100would be presented at the highest bit rate available, optionallyaccording to the user preferences discussed above.

If the user be receiving the customized channel 100 with their phone204D through an Internet connection, over a cellular network, then auser data plan may apply. In such a case, the channel 100 would bepresented at a bit rate that varies according the data plan, theuser(s)′ data utilization over a given period, and/or the user'spreferences, as discussed above. For example, if the user(s)′ datautilization is close to the limit of the user(s)′ data plan, for a givenperiod, then the channel 100 may be presented at lower bit rate,according to the user preferences. More specifically, even where a userprefers to watch sporting events at a higher resolution, a particularsporting event may be presented at a lower bit rate if the user(s)′ datautilization is close to the limit of the user(s)′ data plan, for a givenperiod.

As discussed above, more than one user may share the same data plan, andtherefore be subject to shared restrictions, and/or one or morechannels. So, the customized channel(s) 100/100A may be presented to theuser(s) at a quality level, or bit rate, that varies according to theusers' shared data plan, the users' cumulative data utilization over agiven period of the data plan, and how the users' devices are connectedto the system. For example, if a second user's data utilization wouldput the users' cumulative data utilization close to the limit of theusers' data plan, for a given period, then the channel 100 may bepresented to the first user at lower bit rate, even where the first userprefers to watch sporting events at a higher resolution.

Thus, the system accounts for the second user's data utilization inpresenting first user's channel 100. More specifically, the system mayaccount for the second user's data utilization in presenting the firstuser's channel 100, whether the second user's data utilization isrelated to the first user's channel 100, related to a separate channel100A, or is unrelated to the customized channel(s) 100/100A.Furthermore, the system may account for the second user's datautilization in presenting the first user's channel 100, whether thesecond user's data utilization is done through the same device 204 asthe first user, or a different device 204. In fact, where applicable,the system may account for the both user's data utilization inpresenting any of the customized channel(s) 100/100A.

Of course, should the user wish to avoid receiving the customizedchannel(s) 100/100A at a lower bit rate due to data utilization, forexample, they may switch to another device 204 or connection 206,thereby avoiding data plan restrictions.

Different portions of the media content may be presented at differentresolutions. Such differences may also be based on user preferences, anddata utilization. For example, should the user's data utilization nearthe end of a period be close to a limit for their data plan, then onlythe last two minutes of a sporting even may be presented at a higherresolution (with the rest of the even being presented at a lowerresolution), in order to avoid exceeding the limits in their data plan,and incurring overage fees.

Additional factors may be used to determine the resolution, quality, orbit rate at which the media content is presented. For example, networktraffic conditions, device capabilities, and/or type of content, may beused to determine the bit rate at which the media content is presented.Specifically, should the user be viewing their channel on theirsmartphone, the media content would not be presented in a resolutionthat exceeds the capabilities of the smartphone. The user's consumptionof similar content may also be used to determine the quality at whichthe media content is presented. For example, should the user havewatched all previous episodes of a particular series, later episodes maybe presented at a higher resolution.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 400for providing various communication services, such as delivering mediacontent. The communication system 400 can represent an interactive medianetwork, such as an interactive television system (e.g., an InternetProtocol Television (IPTV) media system). Communication system 400 canbe overlaid or operably coupled with refer to system 200 of FIG. 2 asanother representative embodiment of communication system 400. Forinstance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication system400 of FIG. 4 may include a processor and a memory that storesexecutable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitateobtaining user preferences of a first user; obtaining data planinformation applicable to a first device utilized by the first user;obtaining access to media content from a plurality of sources;scheduling the media content on a first channel customized for the firstuser, by arranging the media content based on the user preferences ofthe first user; and providing the first channel to the first device at afirst bit rate that varies according to the data plan information.

In one or more embodiments, the communication system 400 can include asuper head-end office (SHO) 410 with at least one super headend officeserver (SHS) 411 which receives media content from satellite and/orterrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media contentcan represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still imagecontent, and combinations thereof. The SHS server 411 can forwardpackets associated with the media content to one or more video head-endservers (VHS) 414 via a network of video head-end offices (VHO) 412according to a multicast communication protocol. The VHS 414 candistribute multimedia broadcast content via an access network 418 tocommercial and/or residential buildings 402 housing a gateway 404 (suchas a residential or commercial gateway).

The access network 418 can represent a group of digital subscriber lineaccess multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a servicearea interface that provide broadband services over fiber optical linksor copper twisted pairs 419 to buildings 402. The gateway 404 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 406 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 408 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 407 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 404, the media processors 406, and media devices 408 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 406 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 429 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 4. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 400. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 415 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 431 coupled to thebuilding 402. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver431 can be transferred to the media processors 406 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 408. The media processors 406 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 432 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 433 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system400. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 433 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services. System 400 enablesvarious types of interactive television and/or services including IPTV,cable and/or satellite.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 430, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 432 towireline media devices 408 or wireless communication devices 416.

Communication system 400 can also provide for all or a portion of thecomputing devices 430 to function as an aggregator 202 or source,102-108, as described above (herein referred to as processing system430). The processing system 430 can use computing and communicationtechnology to perform some or all of the functions described above,which can include among other things, the method of FIG. 3. The mediaprocessors 406 and wireless communication devices 416 can used as thedevices 204 and STB 208, respectively, to utilize the services ofprocessing system 430.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices overlandline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, mediaservices can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless accessbase station 417 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 500employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture tofacilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switchedsystems. Communication system 500 can be overlaid or operably coupledwith environment 200 of FIG. 2 and communication system 400 as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 400.

Communication system 500 can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)540, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 530, and other networkelements of an IMS network 550. The IMS network 550 can establishcommunications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs) 501,502, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs 503, 505, andcombinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)520 coupled to a PSTN network 560. The MGCF 520 need not be used when acommunication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. Acommunication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize theMGCF 520.

IMS CDs 501, 502 can register with the IMS network 550 by contacting aProxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with aninterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a ServingCSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS 540. To initiate acommunication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD 501 can submita Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originatingP-CSCF 504 which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF506. The originating S-CSCF 506 can submit the SIP INVITE message to oneor more application servers (ASs) 517 that can provide a variety ofservices to IMS subscribers.

For example, the application servers 517 can be used to performoriginating call feature treatment functions on the calling party numberreceived by the originating S-CSCF 506 in the SIP INVITE message.Originating treatment functions can include determining whether thecalling party number has international calling services, call IDblocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requestingspecial telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel callforwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initialfilter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, oneor more application servers may be invoked to provide various calloriginating feature services.

Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 506 can submit queries to the ENUMsystem 530 to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITEmessage to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminatingcommunication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by anInterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 507 to submit a query to the HSS 540 toidentify a terminating S-CSCF 514 associated with a terminating IMS CDsuch as reference 502. Once identified, the I-CSCF 507 can submit theSIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF 514. The terminating S-CSCF514 can then identify a terminating P-CSCF 516 associated with theterminating CD 502. The P-CSCF 516 may then signal the CD 502 toestablish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services,thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voiceand/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various callterminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb,music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc.

In some instances the aforementioned communication process issymmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 5 may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communicationsystem 500 can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition,communication system 500 can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs 501, 502with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system 400 ofFIG. 4.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD503 or CD 505 (in instances where the cellular phone only supportscircuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system 530 can respondwith an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originatingS-CSCF 506 to forward the call to the MGCF 520 via a Breakout GatewayControl Function (BGCF) 519. The MGCF 520 can then initiate the call tothe terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network 560 to enable the callingand called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications.

It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 5 can operate as wirelineor wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 5 can becommunicatively coupled to a cellular base station 521, a femtocell, aWiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) baseunit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establishcommunications with the IMS network 550 of FIG. 5. The cellular accessbase station 521 can operate according to common wireless accessprotocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on.Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can beused by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly,multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used bythe CDs of FIG. 5.

Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice andpacket-switched data communications and thus may operate asIMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular basestation 521 may communicate directly with the IMS network 550 as shownby the arrow connecting the cellular base station 521 and the P-CSCF516.

Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component,or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software.Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF systemhaving one or more computers or servers, either centralized ordistributed, where each computer or server may be configured to performor provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionalitydescribed herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, otherfunctions, servers and computers described herein, including but notlimited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can beembodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers,either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may beconfigured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step,or functionality described herein in accordance with a respectivefunction, server, or computer.

The processing system 430 of FIG. 4 can be operably coupled tocommunication system 500 for purposes similar to those described above.CDs 501, 502, 503 and 505, which can be adapted with software tofunction as the devices 204 described above to utilize the services ofthe processing system 430. Processing system 430 can be an integral partof the application server(s) 517 and adapted to the operations of theIMS network 550.

For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and soon, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subjectdisclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that anyform of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commandsare terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may bedescribed in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3^(rd)Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some orall embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in partmodify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standardspublished and promulgated by 3GPP.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal 602 of acommunication system 600. Communication system 600 can be overlaid oroperably coupled with the environment 200 of FIG. 2, communicationsystem 400, and/or communication system 500 as another representativeembodiment of the environment 200 of FIG. 2, communication system 400,and/or communication system 500. The web portal 602 can be used formanaging services of the environment 200 of FIG. 2 and communicationsystems 400-500. A web page of the web portal 602 can be accessed by aUniform Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browser using anInternet-capable communication device such as those described in FIG. 2and FIGS. 4-5. The web portal 602 can be configured, for example, toaccess a media processor 406 and services managed thereby such as aDigital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, anElectronic Programming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such aspersonal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the mediaprocessor 406. The web portal 602 can also be used for provisioning IMSservices described earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioningcellular phone services, and so on.

The web portal 602 can further be utilized to manage and provisionsoftware applications Y to adapt these applications as may be desired bysubscribers and/or service providers of the environment 200 of FIG. 2,and communication systems 400-500. For instance, users of the servicesprovided by aggregator 202 or server 430 can log into their on-lineaccounts and provision the servers 110 or server 430 with user profiles,preferences, and other information, and, provide contact information toserver to enable it to communication with devices described in FIGS. 2,4, and 5, and so on. Service providers can log onto an administratoraccount to provision, monitor and/or maintain the environment 200 ofFIG. 2 or server 430.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 700.Communication device 700 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 4-5and can be configured to perform portions of the method of FIG. 3.

Communication device 700 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 702 (herein transceiver 702), a user interface (UI) 704, apower supply 714, a location receiver 716, a motion sensor 718, anorientation sensor 720, and a controller 706 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 702 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 702 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 704 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 708 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device700. The keypad 708 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 700 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 708 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 704 can further include a display710 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 700. In anembodiment where the display 710 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 708 can be presented by way of the display 710 withnavigation features.

The display 710 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 700 can be adapted to present a user interface withgraphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a userwith a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 710 can be equippedwith capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology todetect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 710 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 700 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 704 can also include an audio system 712 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 712 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 712 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI704 can further include an image sensor 713 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 714 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 700 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 716 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 700 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 718can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 700 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 720 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device700 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 700 can use the transceiver 702 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 706 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 700.

Other components not shown in FIG. 7 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 700 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 706 of the communication device 700. Inyet another embodiment, the communication device 700 can also include afactory default setting button positioned, for example, below a smallhole in a housing assembly of the communication device 700 to force thecommunication device 700 to re-establish factory settings. In thisembodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paperclip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button.The communication device 700 can also include a slot for adding orremoving an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 700 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 7. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The communication device 700 can be adapted to perform the functions ofthe system 200 of FIG. 2, the media processor 406, the media devices408, or the portable communication devices 416 of FIG. 4, as well as theIMS CDs 501-502 and PSTN CDs 503-505 of FIG. 5. It will be appreciatedthat the communication device 700 can also represent other devices thatcan operate in the environment 200 of FIG. 2, communication systems400-500 of FIGS. 4-5 such as a gaming console and a media player.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. For example, the system may impose different bitrate restrictions on each user. For example, the system may force thechannel 100/100A to use a lower bit rate, and thus less data, when beingviewed by the second user, thereby conversing data utilization for useby the first user, when they view the channel Other embodiments can beused in the subject disclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 800 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the system 430, the media processor 406, theaggregator 202, the devices 204, and/or the sources 102-108. In someembodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network 826) toother machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate inthe capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 800 may include a processor (or controller) 802(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 804 and a static memory 806, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 808. The computer system 800 mayfurther include a display unit 810 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 800may include an input device 812 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 814 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 816, a signal generationdevice 818 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 820. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units810 controlled by two or more computer systems 800. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 810, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 810.

The disk drive unit 816 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 822 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 824) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 824 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 804, the static memory 806, and/or within theprocessor 802 during execution thereof by the computer system 800. Themain memory 804 and the processor 802 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of an environment 900, inwhich the disclosed embodiments can operate. In some embodiments,environment 900 depicts additional detail not shown, but present inenvironment 200 of FIG. 2. In other embodiments, environment 900coexists with environment 200, and operate together. In still otherembodiments, environment 900 is used instead of environment 200. In anycase, the description above of environment 200 may be applicable toenvironment 900 as well. For example, the disclosed embodimentspreferably include a content processing system 202, which may includeone or more processors and memory for executing instructions. Theprocessing system 202 may connect to one or more user devices 204, suchas a television, a computer, a tablet, and/or a mobile smartphone,through one or more networks 206, such as a broadcast network (notshown), an access restricted network (such as a cable or satellitenetwork), an open network (such as the Internet), and/or another network(such as cellular network). The system 202 may also communication withthe sources, such as sources 102 and 106, through any combination ofthese, and/or another network.

As shown in FIG. 9, a recommendation engine may receive metadata fromone or more metadata sources. The metadata may come from the contentsources 102-108 and may provide information about the media content. Therecommendation engine may also receive information about the user, suchas user profiles, user preferences, actual user consumption, data plans,and data utilization. The recommendation engine may then makerecommendations based on both the metadata and the information about theuser, such as the users' viewing history and demographic background.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. Distributedprocessing environments can include multiple processors in a singlemachine, single processors in multiple machines, and/or multipleprocessors in multiple machines. It is further noted that a computingdevice such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or othersuitable device for executing instructions to perform operations ormethods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of oneor more intermediate devices directed by the computing device.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 822 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 800. In one or more embodiments, information regardinguse of services can be generated including services being accessed,media consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. Thisinformation can be obtained by various methods including user input,detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs. audiocontent), analysis of content streams, and so forth. The generating,obtaining and/or monitoring of this information can be responsive to anauthorization provided by the user. In one or more embodiments, ananalysis of data can be subject to authorization from user(s) associatedwith the data, such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgementrequirements, notifications, selective authorization based on types ofdata, and so forth.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, comprising: obtaining consumption information for each of agroup of communication devices associated with a user resulting in aplurality of consumption information; identifying a group of mediacontent for the user based on the plurality of consumption information;and providing media content of the group of media content to a firstcommunication device of the group of communication devices at a bit ratethat varies according to a data plan associated with the user.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: obtaininguser preferences; and scheduling the media content on a channelcustomized for the user according to the user preferences.
 3. The deviceof claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise: determining a firstdata limit for the first communication device, wherein the scheduling ofthe media content comprises scheduling the media content on the channelaccording to the first data limit.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein thebit rate is based on a first actual consumption of the media content bythe first communication device.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein thebit rate is based on a second actual consumption of other media contentof the group of media content by a second communication device of thegroup of communication devices.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise: detecting the first communication device isconnected to a first communication network; and determining a networktype of the first communication network, wherein the bit rate is basedon the network type.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: updating the plurality of consumption information ofthe user based on consumption habits of the user with respect to achannel customized for the user.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise: identifying a first time of day that thefirst communication device is communicatively coupled to a secondcommunication network; determining that the first communication deviceis subject to a second data limit when communicatively coupled to thesecond communication network; identifying a second time of day that thefirst communication device is communicatively coupled to a thirdcommunication network; and determining that the first communicationdevice is subject to a third data limit when communicatively coupled tothe third communication network, wherein a scheduling of the mediacontent on a channel customized for the user comprises scheduling themedia content on the channel according to the first time of day, seconddata limit, second time of day, and the third data limit.
 9. The deviceof claim 8, wherein the scheduling of the media content on the channelcomprises scheduling a first portion of the media content to be viewedduring the first time of day when the first communication device iscommunicatively coupled to the second communication network andscheduling a second portion of the media content to be viewed during thesecond time of day when the first communication device iscommunicatively coupled to the third communication network.
 10. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the third data limit is higher than thesecond data limit.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the second portionof the media content has a higher resolution than the first portion ofthe media content.
 12. A non-transitory, machine-readable storage mediumcomprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingsystem including a processor, facilitate performance of operations,comprising: obtaining consumption information for each of a group ofcommunication devices associated with a user resulting in a plurality ofconsumption information; obtaining data plan information applicable to acommunication device of the group of communication devices; identifyinga group of media content for the user based on the plurality ofconsumption information; and providing media content of the group ofmedia content to the communication device of the group of communicationdevices at a bit rate that varies according to the data planinformation.
 13. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium ofclaim 12, wherein the operations further comprise: scheduling a firstportion of the media content on a channel to be viewed during a firsttime of day, subject to a first data limit, when the communicationdevice is communicatively coupled to a first communication network,wherein the channel is customized for the user by arranging the mediacontent based on the plurality of consumption information; andscheduling a second portion of the media content to be viewed during asecond time of day, subject to a second data limit, when thecommunication device is communicatively coupled to a secondcommunication network.
 14. The non-transitory, machine-readable storagemedium of claim 13, wherein the second data limit is higher than thefirst data limit.
 15. The non-transitory, machine-readable storagemedium of claim 13, wherein the second portion of the media content hasa higher resolution than the first portion of the media content.
 16. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein theoperations comprise obtaining user preferences, wherein the schedulingof the media content comprises scheduling the media content on thechannel according to the user preferences.
 17. The non-transitory,machine-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the bit rate isbased on a first actual consumption of the media content on the channelby the communication device.
 18. A method comprising: obtaining, by aprocessing system including a processor, consumption information foreach of a group of communication devices associated with a user,resulting in a plurality of consumption information; identifying a dataplan applicable to a communication device of the group of communicationdevices; identifying, by the processing system a group of media contentfor the user based on the plurality of consumption information; andproviding, by the processing system, the media content of the group ofmedia content to the communication device of the group of communicationdevices at a bit rate that varies according to the data plan.
 19. Themethod of claim 18 further comprising: scheduling, by the processingsystem, a first portion of the media content to be viewed on a channelduring a first time of day, subject to a first data limit, when thecommunication device is communicatively coupled to a first communicationnetwork, wherein the channel is customized for the user by arranging themedia content based on the plurality of consumption information; andscheduling a second portion of the media content to be viewed during asecond time of day when the communication device is communicativelycoupled to a second communication network.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising: obtaining, by the processing system, userpreferences, wherein the scheduling of the first portion of the mediacontent and the second portion of the media content comprisesscheduling, by the processing system, the first portion of the mediacontent and the second portion of the media content on the channelaccording to the user preferences.